§ 11. Mr. MUGGERIDGEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that companies controlled by American financial interests own many of the largest cinemas in London and the chief provincial cities, and are thereby enabled to prejudice the public against British films by filling the quota with inferior productions; and if he will introduce legislation to raise the quota for British films to a point that will better protect British enterprise?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMIt is the case that a certain number of large cinemas are owned or leased by American-controlled concerns, but I have no reason to suppose that inferior British films are generally shown at such theatres. In reply to the second part of the question, as I have indicated on previous occasions, I can hold out no expectation of further legislation on this subject.
§ Mr. MUGGERIDGEIs not the right hon. Gentleman now made aware that the British National Films Company can produce very many more films than there are at present, and that those that they have produced, when shown, are being very successful?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI am aware that many tributes may be paid to the development of British enterprise, but that, of course, does not alter the reply I have given.
§ Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that foreign control by means of an indirect holding has rendered the provisions of the Act useless now?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI am afraid I could not take that view. It is a very complicated question.
§ Mr. DAYIs it not a fact that exhibitors are only too pleased to take all the good British films produced by the British National or any other British company?
§ Mr. GRAHAMSubstantially that is my information.
Sir F. HALLDo hon. Members opposite at last recognise the advantages to be obtained by protecting the interests of this country?